Grants received; school directors recognized

JACKSON TWP — Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School was recently selected to receive a $7,500 grant through the Highmark Foundation School Grants and Awards program.

CVE Assistant Principal Tina Francis and CVE School Counselor Christina Karmecy both served as grant coordinators and completed the application for Leader in Me and The Seven Habits of Happy Kids under the Positive School Climate category.

“The selection process was a difficult one — Highmark Foundation received over 190 applications totaling more than $1.2 million in requested funds,” said Highmark Foundation Program Officer and Highmark Blue Shield Community Affairs Regional Manager Jane Brooks.

The funds were combined with additional donations from the Seneca Valley Foundation and CVE PTO to bring in the Leader in Me professional development for teachers Oct. 11.

Also, long-term school directors were honored across the state by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA), and the Seneca Valley School District had six members who are included in the recognition.

They are along with their years of service: Jeff Widdowson, 16 years; Eric DiTullio, 12 years; Jim Nickel, 12 years; Kathy Whittle, 8 years; Timothy Hester, 8 years; and Fred Peterson, 8 years.